CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
REVENUES
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income	$ 901	$ 886
Premiums	126	140
Net investment income (loss):
Investment income (loss) from derivative instruments	748	337
Other investment income (loss)	696	531
Total net investment income (loss)	1,444	868
Investment gains (losses), net:
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	(17)	(2)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Net impairment losses recognized	(17)	(2)
Other investment gains (losses), net	30	(1)
Total investment gains (losses), net	13	(3)
Commissions, fees and other income	913	986
Increase (decrease) in the fair value of the reinsurance contract asset	1,637	690
Total revenues	5,034	3,567
BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
Policyholders’ benefits	1,150	923
Interest credited to policyholders’ account balances	277	320
Compensation and benefits	426	447
Commissions	268	274
Distribution related payments	87	101
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	11	12
Interest expense	4	5
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	131	140
Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs	(141)	(144)
Rent expense	39	39
Amortization of other intangible assets	7	7
Other operating costs and expenses	321	313
Total benefits and other deductions	2,580	2,437
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes	2,454	1,130
Income tax (expense) benefit	(734)	(276)
Net earnings (loss)	1,720	854
Less: net (earnings) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(117)	(95)
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to AXA Equitable	$ 1,603	$ 759